A style of indie or alternative animation that blends dark, edgy, or gothic themes with whimsical, cute, and cutesy aesthetics. Cultoons are almost always internet-born, thrive on obsessive fandoms, and are designed (intentionally or not) to generate cosplay, fan art, and meme culture.
They often feature eccentric ensembles, feminine or androgynous leads, and a balance of humor, trauma, and rebellion that attracts a devoted cult-like following.
It could also be used to describe a cartoon or animated piece of media that has gathered a fandom so loud and ridiculous that it almost feel like a cult, regardless if the show, project or animation was designed to gather such attention.
They often feature eccentric ensembles, feminine or androgynous leads, and a balance of humor, trauma, and rebellion that attracts a devoted cult-like following.
It could also be used to describe a cartoon or animated piece of media that has gathered a fandom so loud and ridiculous that it almost feel like a cult, regardless if the show, project or animation was designed to gather such attention.
“Murder Drones and Digital Circus are the most popular cultoons right now.”
“I'm telling you, bro. cultoons are all the same! Look at Helluva boss and Murder Drones- they have this... vibe.”
“Cute, edgy and creepy indie show on youtube? Yeah, TikTok is eating good this week.”
"Yeah, youtube thinks I want to watch all these cute, edgy, gothic. creepy shipping bullsh*t! I don't care for Cultoons!"
Related: Dark whimsy, Whimsy-goth, creepy-cute, alt-animation, fandom-bait.
“I'm telling you, bro. cultoons are all the same! Look at Helluva boss and Murder Drones- they have this... vibe.”
“Cute, edgy and creepy indie show on youtube? Yeah, TikTok is eating good this week.”
"Yeah, youtube thinks I want to watch all these cute, edgy, gothic. creepy shipping bullsh*t! I don't care for Cultoons!"
Related: Dark whimsy, Whimsy-goth, creepy-cute, alt-animation, fandom-bait.
by JesterDictionarian August 23, 2025
Get the Cultoonmug.